Bulletin - Monday 14 September 2020

What you can and cannot do if you live in the borough

Last week the government ordered a borough-wide introduction of strict new measures in Bolton as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise.

For further information about what you can do if you live in Bolton please see our website.

The national measures introduced today, Monday 14 September, for England, about the rule of six do not apply in the borough because of our higher infection rate – in Bolton, you must not meet with anyone outside of your household or social bubble.

In the borough of Bolton all venues in the hospitality sector – pubs, restaurants, cafes, any premises serving food and drink - have been restricted to takeaway only.

We need to stop the virus passing to those who are vulnerable because of age or other medical condition. There is no cure for the disease nor a vaccine to help those who get it.

While most people will eventually recover we know that the virus leaves problems with those who live through it. It is not like the flu and many people have been left with severe breathing problems.

We all need to follow the measures: not mix with other households, keeping a physical distance from others, wearing a mask, and washing our hands regularly for 20 seconds.

All these things will help to prevent us catching the virus.

Working safely during the pandemic

The government has updated its guidance about working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19).

What’s new:

• Heritage locations - added priority actions to take to protect staff, visitors and customers.
• Hotels and other guest accommodation - added priority actions to take to protect staff and customers.
• Performing arts - added priority actions to take to protect staff and customers.
• Construction and other outdoor work - added priority actions to take to protect staff and customers.
• Factories, plants and warehouses - added priority actions to take to protect staff and customers.
• Labs and research facilities - added priority actions to take to protect staff and customers.
• Offices and contact centres - added priority actions to take to protect staff and customers.
• Other people's homes - added priority actions to take to protect staff and customers.
• Vehicles - added priority actions to take to protect staff and customers.

Working together to tackle unsafe COVID practices

A joint taskforce between Bolton Council and Greater Manchester Police is working together to make sure that businesses and individuals are complying with new regulations.

The team has been out this weekend and taken a number of actions including closing a barbers shop which was working unsafely and issued fines.

This is the action that we have carried out.

Bolton solicitors linked to 18 Covid cases closed down

A solicitors firm linked to 18 cases of coronavirus has been closed down by Bolton Council, working with Public Health England.

Apply for secondary school places

Applications are now open for children starting secondary school in September 2021.

Parents and carers using online system will be able to save their progress, make changes to their application and will receive email confirmation of the results.

An online guide offers essential advice about the application process.

Parents or carers of children who are now in Year Six must apply before the closing date of October 31 2020. Offers will be made via email on March 1 2021.

Applicants can list up to three schools in order of preference and parents are strongly advised to express a preference for all three schools.

Applications for children starting primary school in 2021 will open on September 28.

For more information, and to apply online, visit www.bolton.gov.uk/admissions.

Grants scheme for community groups launched

Community and voluntary groups can apply for grants from the Bolton Fund Covid 19 Engagement Programme run by Bolton CVS.

Funding of between £1500 to £5000 is available for voluntary, community and social enterprise groups to engage with communities to increase understanding about how to protect yourself and others from getting or transmitting the Covid-19 virus.

Applications are particularly encouraged from organisations engaging with individuals from the following groups:

• Individuals from the 18-30 age group – eg sports clubs and youth clubs
• Young parents
• Organisations delivering activities with schools of friends of groups
• Black, Asian, and ethnic minority communities including African and East European communities
• Refugee or asylum seeker communities

Further details about the guidance and application process can be found on the Bolton CVS website.

Your views about irresponsible dog owners

The current Dog Control Public Space Protection Orders for the borough of Bolton are due to expire on 19 October 2020.

The PSPO gives an authorised officer additional powers to help tackle problems cause by irresponsible dog owners or dog walkers.

We are seeking your views as to whether these PSPOs should be renewed or not. Please read the supporting documents before completing our short questionnaire: dog control pspo review 2020. The consultation closes on 25 September 2020.

For the latest updates